Chester official found guilty of assault, weapons charges in DoorDash shooting; not guilty of attempted murder
John Reilly remanded without bail after three days of jury deliberations; faces up to 25 years, sentencing set for May 18.
A jury has reached a split verdict in the high-profile trial of Chester Highway Superintendent John Reilly after three days of deliberations in Orange County Court.
Reilly was found guilty of first-degree assault under a theory of depraved indifference, second-degree assault, and all nine weapons charges. He was found not guilty of attempted murder.
Following the verdict, the judge ordered Reilly to be remanded into custody without bail. The top conviction — first-degree assault — is a violent felony and carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison. Reilly’s attorney told the court there are “substantial appellate issues” and asked that his client be given time to get his affairs in order. The judge denied that request and also ordered that the bail posted during the case be released.
The charges stem from the May 2025 shooting of 24-year-old DoorDash driver Alpha Barry, who had recently arrived in the United States and spoke limited English.
Barry testified he was lost while trying to complete a delivery after his phone died and went door to door looking for the correct address.
Video shown in court captured the shooting. It appeared to show Reilly firing toward the ground before a final shot toward Barry’s car as he was driving away.
MORE: News 12's Melanie Palmer spoke with town officials about the future of his position.
Prosecutors argued Barry was unarmed and trying to leave when he was shot in the back, suffering serious and permanent injuries.
The defense argued Reilly believed he was in danger and acted to protect himself and his family, even if that belief was mistaken.
The jury’s verdict suggests they rejected the prosecution’s claim that Reilly intended to kill Barry, but agreed his actions were reckless and not legally justified.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 18.
